UV Laser Coders for Horizontal Form Fill Seal (HFFS) Packaging Machines

Automated systems known as horizontal form fill seal (HFFS) packaging machines make it easier to create, fill, and seal products with flexible packaging. These machines form packaging material—usually a roll of film—into a pouch, fill it with the desired product, and seal it in one continuous motion. Products that are placed flat or need steady handling during packaging are best suited for the horizontal design.

HFFS machines are a common solution in the packaging industry because of their many advantages:

• Versatility: They handle a variety of materials, including laminates and foil, and can accommodate different pouch styles, such as pillow pouches, gusseted bags, or stand-up pouches.
• High Speed: Capable of producing hundreds of packages per minute, they meet the demands of high-volume production lines.
• Precision and Consistency: HFFS systems, which are automated, guarantee accurate filling and sealing, cutting down on product waste and preserving consistency throughout all packages.
• Customization: Advanced models allow for integration with labeling, coding, and additional modules to meet specific packaging requirements.
• Reduced Material Waste: Designed to minimize material waste, these machines contribute to cost savings and environmental benefits.

Because of their efficiency and versatility, HFFS machines are utilized in a variety of industries. Key applications include:

• Food and Beverages: Ideal for packaging chips, biscuits, sauces, and single-serve beverage sachets.
• Pharmaceuticals: Used for powders, tablets, capsules, and liquid doses in medical packaging.
• Personal Care Products: Perfect for items like sachets of shampoos, lotions, sunscreens, and creams.
• Household Products: Suitable for detergents, wipes, dishwashing powder, and other consumer goods.

When the completed pouches exit the HFFS machine, they are often labeled or coded to add branding and to ensure product traceability and compliance with industry regulations. Traditionally, thermal transfer overprinting (TTO) has been the preferred method for marking on HFFS packaging.

However, UV laser coders that use concentrated UV light (rather than heat like a TTO) to etch markings onto packaging materials are emerging as a better alternative for numerous reasons.

• Consumables: TTO systems rely on ink ribbons, which require frequent replacement, leading to downtime and increased operating costs. UV laser coders eliminate the need for consumables, offering a more cost-effective and sustainable solution.
• Speed and Efficiency: TTO systems may struggle to maintain high-quality markings at the high speeds typical of HFFS lines. High-speed settings are ideal for UV laser coders, which create accurate, long-lasting markings without interfering with production flow.
• Marking Quality: UV lasers create crisp, permanent markings that are resistant to smudging and fading. Even on difficult surfaces like foils and multilayer films, this guarantees constant readability and adherence to stringent industry standards.
• Environmental Impact: UV laser coders generate no waste from ribbons or cartridges, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of packaging operations compared to TTO systems.
• Maintenance and Downtime: Regular ribbon replacements and cleaning are necessary for TTO printers, which can cause downtime and possible production delays. In contrast, UV laser coders are virtually maintenance-free, ensuring uninterrupted operations.